It looks like there has been a change of plans regarding the trackball replacement program T-Mobile was set to launch February 15th. Due to some changes that will be included with the trackball replacement kits, training for the T-Mobile Retail store representatives has been suspended. RIM is in the process of updating procedures and screenshots for the new tool. Training for T-Mobile Retail Store reps is scheduled to resume on February 8th. So instead of the program launching February 15th, it will launch February 24th. Looks like those of you waiting to get your BlackBerry trackball (Pearl 8100/8120 and 8320 Curve ONLY) replaced will have to wait a little over another week to do so. Heck, I’m happy T-Mobile is offering this!

Maybe this is their way of just subtly trying to push BB users towards buying one of the newer trackpad phones (9700 & 8520)… Or if you have an old 8320 or 8120, you could just save yourself the trip to T-Mo and use a toothpick to (gently) pry the ring off, lift the ball out, and clean it yourself (like I do). T-Mo’s actually been doing this since right after the old Curves and Pearls first came out; they replaced my 8320′s trackball for free too, about a year and a half ago, and they showed me how to do it myself. I don’t know how you remove the 8900′s trackball, tho (it looks a lot harder). I say, let T-Mo handle that one.

kershon

I ordered a trackball from Crackberry for my old 8320 I use for my second line. It cost me $9.99 with free shipping and I didn’t have to drive 30 miles round trip to the store. I would have spent more on gas than what I paid for it.

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